Fellowes Secure Touch Mini Optical Mouse
Biometric Mouse
Link: Amazon
Dick's Gadget Warehouse
This Fellowes Secure Touch Mouse from a few years back had a fingerprint reader for security purposes - accessing the computer, unlocking passwords etc. An early commercial foray into biometrics.
All About Egg Cream
Jim Levine, a Brooklyn tour guide who has written a few times before, and helped tells us all about the egg cream which Leo mentioned back in Episode 813. Jim says that the most believed story is that the egg cream was invented at a luncheon in Brooklyn. The original egg cream did contain eggs, but at the turn of the century when people in poor sections of the city could not afford to have egg in a drink, someone came up with the drink we now know. Authenticity requires spraying off the back of a spoon and Fox's Syrup, as per the Seltzer Sisters instructions. Fox's also has a recipe for the "original" Brooklyn Egg Cream.
All About Egg Cream
Jim Levine, a Brooklyn tour guide who has written a few times before, and helped tells us all about the egg cream which Leo mentioned back in Episode 813. Jim says that the most believed story is that the egg cream was invented at a luncheon in Brooklyn. The original egg cream did contain eggs, but at the turn of the century when people in poor sections of the city could not afford to have egg in a drink, someone came up with the drink we now know. Authenticity requires spraying off the back of a spoon and Fox's Syrup, as per the Seltzer Sisters instructions. Fox's also has a recipe for the "original" Brooklyn Egg Cream.
Oxygenics Evolution
Showerhead
Link: Oxygenics
Yet another discovery by Dick at the National Hardware Show, the Evolution series of shower-heads from Oxygenics maintain the pressure and spray of the shower while using 30% less water than conventional shower-heads, by mixing air in.
The World According to Leo
Mick from the Chatroom points out that while Bob Packett may have reached Episode 1000 in his History According to Bob much earlier (see Episode 838), Leo has done about 2,350 podcasts since he started.
Spontaneous Knotting
In Episode 796, Leo referred to a scientific study about the spontaneous knotting of cables. Verena Fuchs wants Dick and Leo to know that that study, "Spontaneous Knotting of an Agitated String", won an Ig Nobel Prize for Physics in 2008, given by Improbable Research - for achievements that first make people LAUGH, then make them THINK.
Verena also thanks Dick and Leo for giving her a break from and worry, depression and desperation for not having had a job since 2007.
Listen to Episode 839
Go to TWiT
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Permaflow
Drain Management
Link: pfwaterworks.net
Another gadget from the National Hardware Show, the Permaflow is a P-Trap made from ABS plastic with a paddle wheel inside. The plastic is transparent so you can see through it. In normal usage, the water pressure will push the paddle wheel round for normal drainage. If you see something getting stuck inside the drain, you can turn the knob from outside to force the waste through with water running, or use it to help retrieve something (where the Alligetter in Episode 716 might prove handy). There is also a bypass mode which helps drainage flow even when something is stuck inside the P-Trap.
Internet Meltdown
Apparently all of New York is suffering from a bad internet connection while Dick and Leo are recording for this session. Leo has to give up Dick's video on TWiTLive.
1000 Episodes and More
Dick and Leo are looking forward to Episode 1000, but Bill Allen knows another podcast which reached Episode 1000 on 13 June 2008. It's History According to Bob, a history podcast by Bob Packett. But does he have any jingles?
Listen to Episode 838Internet Meltdown
Apparently all of New York is suffering from a bad internet connection while Dick and Leo are recording for this session. Leo has to give up Dick's video on TWiTLive.
1000 Episodes and More
Dick and Leo are looking forward to Episode 1000, but Bill Allen knows another podcast which reached Episode 1000 on 13 June 2008. It's History According to Bob, a history podcast by Bob Packett. But does he have any jingles?
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Terratrike Cruiser
Recumbent Tricycle
Link: Terratrike
After Dick and Leo mentioned the Terratrike website in Episode 815, Dick was asked if he would like to try one. Dick has no space for a tricycle in his apartment, and suggested that Terratrike get Leo to try it out. A Terratrike Cruiser was then delivered to Leo (which arrived during the TWiTLive show Maxwell's House - see Episode 829). It's a recumbent tricycle: two wheels in front, one at the back, front and rear derailleurs, disc brakes on the front wheels, 24-speed drivetrain, adjustable seat (aluminium frame with breathable mesh). Suitable for long and short distance riding. There are many more models to choose from, with optional accessories including trailers. Leo has fallen in love with the Cruiser and so it seems have Alex Lindsay and the TWiT staff.
Leo is going to kit out his trike with accessories, including a TWiT pennon and a horn recommended by kiwinerd. It's a loaner which Leo will return, but he has a feeling he will be buying one. At least Alex Lindsay is. As Dick says, it's going to be Pedal-uma.
No Value for Valeo
After his trusty Gophersport Anti-Burst Stability Ball retired from service, having been used day in day out for about 2 years, Leo went cheap and ordered another brand of fitness ball from Amazon, Valeo. Soon after he bought the new ones, there was an announcement that they were being recalled. Leo's new balls proved to be leaky very soon, and he will go back to the Gophersport again.
As it turned out, the Valeo was not only leaky. It burst while Leo was on TWiTLive last Tuesday.
Free of Charge?
Stefan from Norway is puzzled by the Samsung Charging Stations mentioned by Toyota Boy in Episode 818. "What's the point of a charging station if it's free of charge?" muses Stefan. "Ha-ha, those No-wegians," says Dick.
Tri-Vise's Plate Vise
Jawless Vice
Link: Tri-Vise
Dick went to the National Hardware Show 2 weeks ago, and came back with a good harvest. One of his discoveries was the Plate Vise from Tri-Vise. Instead of having a pair of jaws, the Plate Vise is simply a plate in the shape of a triangle, with different irregular openings for locking in place the object you're working on.
The Dark Secrets of the Laporte Household Revealed
Leo reveals that Jennifer looks to other studs to satisfy some of her needs, and is into Rent-A-Husband and Buffalo Bill - only for home maintenenace, because Leo is not much of a handyman outside the computer sphere or routing the home network, such as fixing the bannister.
Airport Comforts
Mark Donato lets Leo know that he was not dreaming when he thought that there were some rocking chairs at some airport in the States, in Episode 802. The airport at Charlotte, North Carolina is one, where you can find rocking chairs between the B and C Concourse.
A Request for TTTT
Loyal listener Shane Shellenbarger has a request for Leo. He wonders if he will be reviewing the Amazon Kindle DX.
Listen to Episode 836
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
The Dark Secrets of the Laporte Household Revealed
Leo reveals that Jennifer looks to other studs to satisfy some of her needs, and is into Rent-A-Husband and Buffalo Bill - only for home maintenenace, because Leo is not much of a handyman outside the computer sphere or routing the home network, such as fixing the bannister.
Airport Comforts
Mark Donato lets Leo know that he was not dreaming when he thought that there were some rocking chairs at some airport in the States, in Episode 802. The airport at Charlotte, North Carolina is one, where you can find rocking chairs between the B and C Concourse.
A Request for TTTT
Loyal listener Shane Shellenbarger has a request for Leo. He wonders if he will be reviewing the Amazon Kindle DX.
Listen to Episode 836
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Umix Travel Bottle
Mix-On-The-Go Milk Bottle
Link: Umix
Dick's Gadget Warehouse
Hammacher-Schlemmer used to have a contest called "Search For Invention", and Dick was one of the judges in 1995, when one of the winners was an invention called "Shake-It-Up". It's a milk bottle with 2 chambers, one for storing milk powder and the other for storing water. Apparently once the milk powder and water are mixed, bacteria will start working their effect after about an hour. The invention later became the product Umix Travel Bottle.
Gadget Years
Dick and Leo have talked about their time unit for gadgets called Gadget Year, although they can never remember how long it's supposed to be. When they first talked about the Audrey in Episode 120, they thought that a gadget year should be worth 25 human years.
Visible Man-Made Structure
In Episode 818, Leo talked about the Great Wall of China, and referred to the oft-repeated piece of trivia that it is the only man-made structure visible from space. Doug Snell, who by the way thinks the quality of the jingles brings the quality of the Daily Giz Wiz up to just acceptable, wants to debunk the myth. First of all, it's not just one wall, but a series of walls. Secondly It's simply not true. Depending on what one means by space, the Great Wall is either invisible to the naked eye, or one of many other objects visible to the naked eye. Check out space.com, and snopes.com for more debunking.
Connection Issue
Dick's internet connections (both on Verizon and A T & T) were suffering badly during this recording session. There was a huge amount of latency and in the end, they had to give up on Dick's video.
Listen to Episode 835
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Gadget Years
Dick and Leo have talked about their time unit for gadgets called Gadget Year, although they can never remember how long it's supposed to be. When they first talked about the Audrey in Episode 120, they thought that a gadget year should be worth 25 human years.
Visible Man-Made Structure
In Episode 818, Leo talked about the Great Wall of China, and referred to the oft-repeated piece of trivia that it is the only man-made structure visible from space. Doug Snell, who by the way thinks the quality of the jingles brings the quality of the Daily Giz Wiz up to just acceptable, wants to debunk the myth. First of all, it's not just one wall, but a series of walls. Secondly It's simply not true. Depending on what one means by space, the Great Wall is either invisible to the naked eye, or one of many other objects visible to the naked eye. Check out space.com, and snopes.com for more debunking.
Connection Issue
Dick's internet connections (both on Verizon and A T & T) were suffering badly during this recording session. There was a huge amount of latency and in the end, they had to give up on Dick's video.
Listen to Episode 835
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Presto OS
Instant Boot Operating System
Link: PrestoMyPC
Presto is a Linux-based operating system with a small footprint, which boots up instantly. Essentially it's Xandros (which the first Asus Eee PC used) and is from the same company. The extra is that the software installs itself as a dual boot OS with Windows XP or Vista for you (inclung the familiar Windows dual boot menu). It comes pre-installed with the most often used applications, such as IM, web browser, and office applications. There is a Presto Application Store where you can easily find and access other applications that will run on Presto. It's Linux made easy.
Fitness Ball Recall
After Leo's fitness ball started leaking, he decided to get a cheaper version which quickly became the subject of a recall. He's now reverted to his Gophersport Ultrafit Anti-Burst Stability Ball (Episode 322).
A Sump Pump for Dan Lueders
Back in Episode 737, Dan Lueders wrote to Dick about a power cut and the flooding of his basement. Listener Tom Westland suggests the Zoeller Home Guard Back Up Sump Pump, which does not require electricity and simply uses water pressure to work. Back in Episode 331, Dick talked about Reelsmart's No-Crank Garden Hose Reel, which rewinds the hose using water pressure.
WTHII March-April 2009
It's an Alcotube Plus, for breathalysing yourself.
Listen to Episode 834
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Fitness Ball Recall
After Leo's fitness ball started leaking, he decided to get a cheaper version which quickly became the subject of a recall. He's now reverted to his Gophersport Ultrafit Anti-Burst Stability Ball (Episode 322).
A Sump Pump for Dan Lueders
Back in Episode 737, Dan Lueders wrote to Dick about a power cut and the flooding of his basement. Listener Tom Westland suggests the Zoeller Home Guard Back Up Sump Pump, which does not require electricity and simply uses water pressure to work. Back in Episode 331, Dick talked about Reelsmart's No-Crank Garden Hose Reel, which rewinds the hose using water pressure.
WTHII March-April 2009
It's an Alcotube Plus, for breathalysing yourself.
Listen to Episode 834
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Wowwee Flytech Bladestar
Toys
Link: Wowwee
From Wowwee, the Flytech Bladestar is billed as an "indoor flying machine". Not quite a helicopter, just the blades. The infra red remote control uses 6 AA batteries, which can be connected to the blades for charging. 10 minutes of charging gives you 5 minutes of flight time. It has an avoidance mode, so it can steer away from obstacles such as a wall. Comes with 2 spare wings. If you buy two, you can get a "dog fight adapter" so the two can duel with each other.
Propeller on a Stick
If you want a full helicopter, Dick has talked about the PicooZ Helicopter before (Episode 204), or you can get the Dragonfly that Leo mentions. For something simpler, try looking for the retro toy propeller on a stick, or make one yourself - with full instructions on sci-toys.com.
Pitchmen
If you want a full helicopter, Dick has talked about the PicooZ Helicopter before (Episode 204), or you can get the Dragonfly that Leo mentions. For something simpler, try looking for the retro toy propeller on a stick, or make one yourself - with full instructions on sci-toys.com.
Pitchmen
Dick and Leo have recently talked about infomercial-man Billy Mays (in Episode 820). Discovery Channel has a documentary on Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan, called Pitchmen.
Learning English on Audible
Paul Griswold, who's visited Dick at his office at MAD, has found another use for Audible. Paul has a Japanese wife, who finds listening to Audible books, along with the book itself borrowed from the library, a great way of learning English.
Bat Boy The Musical
Bat Boy was a fictional creature (half-bat, half-boy) featured in the old tabloid Weekly World News, and made his way into an off-Broadway musical, in which he started learning English by watching Masterpiece Theatre (originally hosted by the late Alistair Cooke, now by Laura Linney). There's even a recording on CD of the musical by the original cast.
Listen to Episode 833
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Learning English on Audible
Paul Griswold, who's visited Dick at his office at MAD, has found another use for Audible. Paul has a Japanese wife, who finds listening to Audible books, along with the book itself borrowed from the library, a great way of learning English.
Bat Boy The Musical
Bat Boy was a fictional creature (half-bat, half-boy) featured in the old tabloid Weekly World News, and made his way into an off-Broadway musical, in which he started learning English by watching Masterpiece Theatre (originally hosted by the late Alistair Cooke, now by Laura Linney). There's even a recording on CD of the musical by the original cast.
Listen to Episode 833
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Dynaflex Powerball Gyroscope and Dynamax Core Trainer 2
Resistance Training
Turn-The-Tables-Tuesday
Leo has 2 related gadgets to show today. The first one is the Dynaflex Powerball Gyroscope, which you shake using the arm and wrist. Inside the ball is a gyroscope which by its nature keeps itself stable by resisting outside movements. The resistance offered by the gyroscope, up to 40 lbs of torque, makes you work hard to speed up the movement inside. Light and sound included. A speedometer is optional. so is a docking station. You can also get it at Think Geek.
If you want serious resistance, you can try the Dynamax Core Trainer 2, offering up to 200 lbs of torque, which works in the same way, but with 2 handle bars for upper body training.
Power Demos
Watch Leo demo the 2 gadgets today. Clip taken from odtv.me.
Another Guest Appearance on DGW
Guests on DGW are rare. There have been Amber MacArthur (Episode 77) and Henry Laporte (Episode 252), and Dane Golden, after his voice appearance as White Fang in Episode 826, makes his video debut as himself. He's angling for a Dick and Dane show, but before he can do that, Leo will make him work hard for it, by acting as Leo's proxy in exercising with the Core Trainer. Dane is also thinking where the TWiT Head Office should be, perhaps in Truth Or Consequences in New Mexico.
InsideDGW on GizWiz.Biz
Dick has created a page for InsideDGW on his new website at Square Space, which features all the letters read on the shows, plus any links, pictures or videos worth following up. Check out InsideDGW on GizWiz.Biz.
Thumbs-Up for the Pogoplug
Toyota Boy is very happy with the Pogoplug (Episode 817), and Leo confirms that the iPhone App designed for it works on 3G as well as Wifi. Pity it doesn't work as a cup warmer too.
Exercise Fanatic
Leo has become an exercise fanatic. He goes to the gym, does TWiT Fit, rides his Terratrike, and has just signed up for a Pilates class, working on the "Reformer" Pilates machine.
Terratrike on TTTT
Next Tuesday, Leo will review the Terratrike. See Episode 829 for a preview. Leo is going to ride it through Petaluma with an orange pennon and a TWiT pennon.
Listen to Episode 832
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Power Demos
Watch Leo demo the 2 gadgets today. Clip taken from odtv.me.
Another Guest Appearance on DGW
Guests on DGW are rare. There have been Amber MacArthur (Episode 77) and Henry Laporte (Episode 252), and Dane Golden, after his voice appearance as White Fang in Episode 826, makes his video debut as himself. He's angling for a Dick and Dane show, but before he can do that, Leo will make him work hard for it, by acting as Leo's proxy in exercising with the Core Trainer. Dane is also thinking where the TWiT Head Office should be, perhaps in Truth Or Consequences in New Mexico.
InsideDGW on GizWiz.Biz
Dick has created a page for InsideDGW on his new website at Square Space, which features all the letters read on the shows, plus any links, pictures or videos worth following up. Check out InsideDGW on GizWiz.Biz.
Thumbs-Up for the Pogoplug
Toyota Boy is very happy with the Pogoplug (Episode 817), and Leo confirms that the iPhone App designed for it works on 3G as well as Wifi. Pity it doesn't work as a cup warmer too.
Exercise Fanatic
Leo has become an exercise fanatic. He goes to the gym, does TWiT Fit, rides his Terratrike, and has just signed up for a Pilates class, working on the "Reformer" Pilates machine.
Terratrike on TTTT
Next Tuesday, Leo will review the Terratrike. See Episode 829 for a preview. Leo is going to ride it through Petaluma with an orange pennon and a TWiT pennon.
Listen to Episode 832
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Slush Mug
Slurpee-Maker
Link: Slush Mug Perpetual Kid
Freeze the white inner core. Return it to the mug. Pour in your favourite beverage and stir. Within 5 or 6 minutes you'll get a slushee or slurpee in your Slush Mug. The stirring gives you small crystals, instead of huge chunks, of ice, rather like the way the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (Episode 347).
It's a Brand New Opening Intro
After setting up TWiT's "Home Office" in Pickles Gap, Arkansas (see Episode 830), Leo decides to create a morning mood, with a little help from Dennis Wunderlin and Grieg's Peer Gynt Suites, for the brand new day and the brand new week - and it's a brand new opening intro. Watch how Dick and Leo prepare for it before the show starts.
A Warning Jingle for Too Many Jingles?
Some people complain that there are too many themes in the show. Michael Rivers suggests that there should be a jingle to warn them that a jingle is coming. Personally, Michael thinks that the Daily Giz Wiz is pure joy.
It's a Brand New Opening Intro
After setting up TWiT's "Home Office" in Pickles Gap, Arkansas (see Episode 830), Leo decides to create a morning mood, with a little help from Dennis Wunderlin and Grieg's Peer Gynt Suites, for the brand new day and the brand new week - and it's a brand new opening intro. Watch how Dick and Leo prepare for it before the show starts.
A Warning Jingle for Too Many Jingles?
Some people complain that there are too many themes in the show. Michael Rivers suggests that there should be a jingle to warn them that a jingle is coming. Personally, Michael thinks that the Daily Giz Wiz is pure joy.
There have been similar suggestions before for a jingle to forewarn the playing of the Letters Jingle (because it used to start rather abruptly when it was on Leo's external hard drive). See Episode 266 to Episode 278, and Episode 664.
Listen to Episode 831
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Listen to Episode 831
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
